1. relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dull. 2. to a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she's rather pretty. 3. to a limited extent or degree: I rather thought that was the case. 4. with better or more just cause: this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten.

We use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …

Both would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned

Definition of rather adverb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

We use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly).

Learn the meaning and correct usage of "rather". Our guide provides clear grammar rules and real-world examples from authoritative sources to help you write with confidence.

Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction.